Liverpool’s horrendous Premier League form continued as they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
Any slim hopes of a potential tilt of challenging to defend the title have been truly crushed as the Reds’ problems throughout the 2025-26 season were laid bare over 90 minutes. They were deficient in attack and insipid in defence as pressure has ramped up on Arne Slot just six months after delivering the silverware.
Match report
Liverpool started the game on top and in the eighth minute, Cody Gakpo wiggled his way into the box and teed-up Alexis Mac Allister but his shot was blocked by Forest’s Elliott Anderson.
Eight minutes later Milos Kerkez couldn’t keep a shot down at the back post having been picked out by Mo Salah, while Cody Gakpo had two shorts thwarted.
But against the run of play, Liverpool fell behind as their vulnerability from set-pieces were once again exposed. A Forest corner was not dealt with and the ball dropped for Murillo who drilled home. Two minutes later, the visitors thought they had doubled their advantage through Igor Jesus but, luckily for Liverpool, a handball was given.
Liverpool did create a couple of chances in their bid to equalise before the break but Mac Allister and Salah both produced relatively comfortable saves from Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.
Slot would have demanded an intense start to the second half from his troops. Instead, he witnessed Liverpool fall further behind within 60 seconds of the restart. Former Liverpool full-back Neco Williams beat Mac Allister far too easily and picked out Nicola Savona unmarked to finish beyond Alisson.
The Reds barely mustered a response to get back into the game. Salah dragged one shot wide and Szoboszlai had a low shot saved. But Liverpool were devoid of attacking ideas and they were punished again by Forest with 13 minutes left when Morgan Gibbs-White pounced on Omari Hutchinson’s saved shot which left the Anfield crowd both bewildered and angered.
That led to droves of supporters heading for the turnstiles as they watched Liverpool lose for the eighth time in 11 games in all competitions. If it was not a crisis beforehand then it’s hard to argue against that after this latest defeat.
Liverpool player ratings vs Forest
9. Curtis Jones -
Played some clever passes in the first half and was the main player pressing. Moved to right-back midway through the second half but started to get sloppy and tire. Subbed in the 78th minute. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Cody Gakpo - 5
Was lively in the first half, having two efforts well blocked but shirked a tackle with Murillo that did not go unnoticed with the Anfield crowd. Failed to impact the game in the second half. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
11. Alexander Isak - 4
Largely starved of service in the first half and started to come looking for the ball. Had one tame effort on goal in the second half before being subbed in the 68th minute - having lost all seven duels in the game. | AFP via Getty Images
12. Sub 1 - Hugo Ekitike - 6
At least had a go. | AFP via Getty Images